Kala FAQ

 

Can I convert my ukulele to a left-handed instrument?
Yes, a right handed ukulele can be converted to be played left handed. Aside from replacing the strings for left-handed orientation, the only modification that will need to be made is to widen the second string nut slot to accept a C string. However, the side dot position markers will be facing away from view after this modification has been done. For some players this is a major disadvantage but for others it may not be an issue. This modification can be undone quite easily and does not void your instrument’s warranty.

Can I convert my U-Bass to a left-handed instrument?
It is possible to convert your right-handed Ubass to a left-handed instrument. However, this modification requires extensive structural changes and will void your instrument’s warranty. This conversion should only be attempted by a skilled stringed instrument repair technician. Here are the steps necessary to complete the conversion. A better alternative would be to purchase a left-handed U-Bass-2, spruce top instrument.

  • Re-drilling the bridge holes to the proper size to accept the restringing of the bass strings. They will each be a very different size.
  • Rebuilding the tuners so that the posts are in the proper place. (The E post has a larger string post slot than the other three.)
  • The nut must be replaced. This includes removing the old one, gluing in a new one, and then having the nut slots properly set up. The U-Bass nut cannot be flip-flopped as the slots slant downward away from the fretboard. Please note that this will require having a new nut custom made as left handed replacements are not available.
  • The side dot markers will be facing away from view upon completion of the left-handed conversion.

How is the U-Bass tuned?
The U-Bass is tuned like a standard electric bass guitar (E-A-D-G). The U-Bass also works great with drop-D tuning.

How often should I change my U-Bass strings?
We recommend changing your U-Bass strings every 3-6 months, though we have heard of players playing their strings for a much longer time period. The strings take some time to stretch out and settle in but once they are set, they are very stable.  Instructions on changing U-bass strings: Click here.

Where can I purchase U-Bass strings?
You can purchase Road Toad Music Pahoehoe U-Bass strings in either all-black or multicolored sets on our website (Click Here).  You can also purchase them from select local retailers.

Can I play the U-Bass acoustically?
Yes, the U-Bass can be played acoustically for independent practice sessions. However, for playing with others, it is necessary to play through an amp or PA system.

What amplifiers do you recommend for the U-Bass?
The U-Bass can be played through virtually any bass amp on the market today. Bassists have gotten great results playing through their normal bass rig. This is a very practical approach. However, many bassists prefer using a dedicated amp designed for acoustic instruments. You can also go direct to the PA system using a direct box.

Why is it that Kala ukuleles & U-Basses do not come with strap buttons?
Traditionally, ukulele players have played their instruments without straps, opting to hold the instrument under their arm. Surprisingly, a very small percentage of players use a strap on their ukes. Many ukulele players find the inclusion of a strap button (or two) unsightly and will not purchase an instrument this way. We have adopted this aesthetic with the U-Bass, as well. While we do have our own brand of ukulele straps, they are sold with the understanding that one or two strap buttons must be installed. Some of our ukuleles (and all U-Bass models) have pre-installed pickup systems with a strap button/end pin jack. The player may decide that he or she wants to attach the strap to the headstock with a cord or have a professional technician install a strap button at the neck heel. We like to leave this option up to the player. Please note that damage (cracking, splintering, etc.) caused from improper installation of strap buttons will void your warranty.

My ukulele’s intonation sounds “off.” How can I adjust the intonation of my instrument?
Kala instruments are designed and constructed to have the best intonation possible. This is achieved by attaching the bridge to the instrument’s top so that the peak of saddle to the 12th fret is exactly half the distance from the 12th fret to the inside edge of the nut. If your instrument’s intonation sounds off, here are just a few factors that may be affecting it: string height, string gauge, string material, string windings, age of strings, finger pressure, wound "C” string vs. unwound “C” string, fret shape (flat vs. peaked), etc. We have found that simply swapping out a string with questionable intonation usually fixes the issue. It is also common for a player to literally squeeze the note out of tune, particularly on U-Basses and soprano & concert ukuleles as the string tension is extremely light.

What strings should I use on my ukulele?
Kala offers its own brand of excellent strings that we highly recommend. We also recommend Aquila brand strings. There are also a multitude of string manufacturers making excellent ukulele strings. You can purchase them here on our website (Aquila  or Kala Red) or from your local retailer.

Feel free to experiment with different strings until you find the one that feels and sounds just right. However, be sure that you purchase the correct string set to match your instruments size and tuning. Failure to do so could lead to instrument damage that might void the warranty.

How long will it take for my ukulele strings to stretch?
You can stretch your strings manually for a faster break in time. Simply tune your uke to pitch, gently tug on the strings, and then retune. Do this process 6-8 times and your strings will stretch very little (if anything) after this point. You can see a video of this process on our website here.

Does my ukulele come with a gig bag or case?
The majority of our ukuleles do not ship from Kala Brand Ukulele with a case or gig bag, with the exception of all U-Bass models, all Travel series ukes, and packs. Some dealers offer special pricing on cases with the purchase of a new ukulele so be sure to check with them for availability.

What brand of strings came standard on my Kala ukulele?
Currently, we ship all Kala instruments with Aquila strings already installed. However, it is possible for some of our dealers to have new old stock with GHS Strings. If this is the case, we cannot replace them with Aquila strings.

Why is it that Kala Ukuleles do not come standard with a wound C string?
We really like the feel and sound of having all unwound strings on our soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles. Some players prefer to have their instrument set up with a wound C string. On our website we sell wound C string sets from Kala Brand Music Co. and Aquila for you to experiment with Aquila or Kala Red.

Is it possible install a low G string on my ukulele?
Yes, it is possible to set up you instrument with a low G string although you will need to have the nut slot widened to accept the increased diameter of the wound string. On our website we sell low G string sets for soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles from Kala Brand Music Co. and Aquila or Kala Red.

Do you recommend tuning the ukulele up a whole step?
We have heard of players tuning their instruments up a whole step (A-D-F#-B or E-A-C#-F# for baritone) or higher. While this may work for soprano ukulele, we do not recommend it for concert, tenor, or baritone instruments. This tuning puts an incredible amount of stress on the ukulele bridge, top, and neck as well as the strings.

Do you recommend the use of a humidifier? If so, which brand do you recommend?
We highly recommend the use of an in-case humidifier to protect your instrument from the affects or dry weather.  On solid-wood instruments, it is absolutely necessary to use a humidifier so as to not void the warranty. An instrument that is exposed to dry climates for any length of time can develop cracks, sharp fret ends, top or back sinking, a warped neck, or a combination of these symptoms. Sometimes these symptoms can be reversed but for the most part damage due to dryness is irreversible and not covered under warranty.  We have had wonderful experience using humidifiers by Humistat® and Damp-It®.

What device should I tune my ukulele with?
Kala offers several ways of tuning your ukulele or U-Bass. We sell the KU-PP pitch pipe, the KC02 clip-on tuner, and the deluxe KC03 clip-on tuner/metronome combo. You can purchase those on our website here.

Will my U-Bass fit into a baritone “Uke Crazy” hard shell case?
No, the U-Bass will not fit into a baritone Uke Crazy hard shell case. The U-Bass uses custom tuners that project out much farther than a standard baritone ukulele.  We have two custom cases that can be purchased for the U-bass, for the Acoustic U-bass and an upgraded gig bag for the Solid Body U-bass.

Is my ukulele covered under any warranty?
Yes! Please see the warranty section on our website for more details and to register your instrument. Be sure to save your original sales receipt to validate all warranty claims.  Read our warranty here.

Is my Ubass covered under any warranty?
Yes! Please see the warranty section on our website for more details and to register your instrument. Be sure to save your original sales receipt to validate all warranty claims.
Read our warranty here.

My instrument is making a buzzing sound when I play it. What should I do?
Diagnosing the cause of a buzzing instrument can be very challenging. Before attempting any repair or modification on your instrument, please have an experienced repair technician examine it first. He or she will be able to fix it surprisingly fast or direct you to someone who can. If at all possible, you should bring it to the store where your uke was originally purchased. If your instrument is still under warranty, they can arrange to have your instrument sent to Kala for repairs.

What uke should I buy?
This is a difficult question to answer. Before purchasing an instrument it is best to first establish your budget. Kala Brand Ukulele sells instruments at many price points with features appealing to players of all experience levels. The first question to consider is whether you want a soprano, concert, tenor, or baritone ukulele. These four size differences will affect your overall sound more than any other factor. We recommend visiting one of our dealers and playing several ukuleles in your price range. Bring a friend whose opinion you trust and have him or her listen to the instrument as you play. Take notes of what you like or dislike about the sound and playability of a specific model. Ask yourself whether you need electronics pre installed for live or recording purposes. Do you want a cutaway for greater access to the upper frets? Do you want an instrument made from all solid wood or one that uses laminate construction? Is figured wood high on your list of specifications? Take your time making your purchase and consult your local dealer if you aren’t sure of which uke to get.

Where can I buy a Kala Ukulele or U-Bass? Can I buy one direct from Kala?
Our website features a dealer locater page that can guide you to your nearest Kala dealer. We only sell our instruments through our extensive dealer network listed under the Dealer Locator tab at the top of the page.

I do not live in the United States. Can I still purchase a Kala ukulele?
Yes! We have a growing number of international dealers carrying our instruments. You can find these dealers at our Dealer Locator tab at the top of the page.

What is the difference between high G tuning and low G tuning?
Traditional ukulele tuning, otherwise known as Reentrant tuning, is a very popular tuning for the uke. This tuning comes standard on all soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles that we offer. With this tuning, the G string is higher in pitch than the C string and one whole step lower than the A string. When people think of the ukulele, this is the tuning that comes to mind. However, low G tuning has become more popular especially for players transitioning from guitar or violin. You can find string sets for both tunings available in soprano, concert, and tenor ukulele: Aquila or Kala Red.

I have a part on my instrument that is not working properly. How can I get this replaced?
Our service department is more than happy to assist you in getting the replacement parts you need to get your instrument in fine working condition. You can contact them at service@kalaukulele.com.

I would like to have a pickup installed in my ukulele. Which system do you recommend and can I install it myself?
We recommend the Mi Si Acoustic Trio, the Fishman KULA system, the Shadow Nanoflex system, and Kala’s own UK-300T system with built-in tuner. We recommend having a skilled repair technician install any pickup system as it will require significant structural modifications to your instrument. Any damage caused from the installation will void your instrument’s warranty. The Mi Si system can be purchased from our website.

I would like to purchase a new Kala ukulele but the one I want does not come with electronics. Can I special order one with a pickup system pre-installed?
Our technicians can install a Mi Si pickup system to any non-electronics-equipped instrument. This active system uses battery-free technology. Simply charge the system for 60 seconds using the charger (included with the system) and you will have up to 9 hours of playing time. The Mi Si system is good for 50,000 charges or 137 years, whichever comes first!  (www.mi-si.com) Please ask your Kala dealer for pricing and availability.

My ukulele’s action is a bit too high. Can I lower it myself by modifying the saddle?
Please do not attempt this modification as it can severely alter your instrument’s sound & playability. An experienced repair & set up technician has the knowledge of how much bridge saddle material to take off using the proper tools. Lowering the saddle’s height too much will cause the strings to buzz or, in extreme circumstances, cause the strings to lay flat on the fretboard. Even after purchasing a new saddle, you will need to have it fine tuned to your own instrument by a professional technician. Please note that our standard string height at the 12th fret for all ukuleles is 3mm. If your action is adjusted any lower than this, you will likely hear string buzz.

My instrument is not functioning properly. What should I do next?
If you have already filled out your warranty registration form and still possess the original sales receipt, we can help you. Please review Kala Brand Music Company’s warranty information before taking it to the dealer in which your ukulele was purchased. Once you have completed this step, your dealer will be able to help you with your warranty issue.

 

 


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